By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zoffany Homes and Associates Limited, Barr. Dr. Richard Chibuikem Ezechukwuma, has revealed that the best piece of advice he has ever received as an entrepreneur is to prioritize his health and personal wellbeing above the quest for wealth and achievements.
Chief Ezechukwuma revealed this while speaking in an exclusive interview with this reporter, in which he also narrated his inspiring entrepreneurial journey, shared the challenges he has faced so far, and reflected on the lessons he has learnt while building the thriving conglomerate.
According to him, the advice came from an Abuja-based investor he was once prospecting, who, after observing his hunger for success, warned him to start taking care of himself early enough before his “evening” comes.
“He told me I was too ambitious and wanted to achieve many things at once. But he said, ‘Take care of yourself, evening is coming.’ I asked him what he meant, and he explained that I was currently in my afternoon, and when I get to my old age — which is my evening — I should try not to fall sick. He also said there will be a time when my wife will be going for one ọmụgwọ after another, and there may be no one to look after me. That advice stuck with me,” he recounted.
Speaking further, the young and dynamic entrepreneur, who hails from Anaku in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State, said that his passion for real estate and business was inspired by personal experiences and circumstances — especially the influence of his late father who was a builder and his stint as an apprentice in both construction and interior design.
He recalled how, as a young boy, his father would wake him up in the middle of the night to draft building plans for his projects, inspect and correct them in the morning, and take him along to construction sites to carry out calculations and tasks until his accuracy improved.
“Later, my father became ill and I couldn’t continue my education immediately, so I went into apprenticeship with the owner of Y2K Furniture in Abuja, where I learnt interior decoration and finishing. After four years, my father, who had recovered, asked me to return home and continue school. That was how I studied Law — it was his idea, based on his business experiences. Unfortunately, I lost him in a ghastly motor accident in 2012 while I was in my third year in school,” he narrated.
He explained that although he eventually completed his Law degree and went for NYSC, his passion shifted after his father’s death, as he no longer found fulfilment in law practice. According to him, the memory of his late father reignited his passion for building, which birthed Zoffany Homes in 2021.
“The knowledge I gained from my father now drives the construction aspect of my business; my apprenticeship experience handles the interior finishing; and my legal background helps with land acquisition and sales,” he explained.
Dr. Ezechukwuma, whose company recently ventured into agriculture and launched the ‘Zoffany Premium Rice’ brand, revealed plans to go fully into agro-business, beginning with rice and palm oil production, leveraging the large arable lands in his hometown, Anaku, which also hosts the famous Coscharis Farms.
On the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship, he said it’s not capital, as many believe, but rather the building of a reputable brand and credible name that people can trust.
“In real estate, if you have all the money and you don’t have a name, you won’t sell. I had to consciously build my name and integrity — a name that cannot be faulted. People may not say anything initially, but they’re observing you. Eventually, it all adds up and begins to speak for you,” he said.
He also noted that another challenge is building a strong clientele base, which he overcame by humbling himself to learn under industry leaders like Chukky of GSS and Arnold — two real estate moguls he still holds in high regard.
“I carved my niche from there, and now I don’t just sell empty lands. I prefer to develop the land and then sell. That’s our unique approach,” he added.
Speaking on the viability of real estate in Anambra State, the Zoffany boss described it as highly profitable, particularly before the recent wave of insecurity in the region. He noted that Awka is a major attraction for investors and indigenes alike due to its centrality and urban development.
His words: “It is very viable not until the advent of insecurity but before then, it was a viable business.
“Anambra is a place where everyone wants to own a property no matter where you are based. Awka is like a melting pot. So, if you are from Ekwulobia, you would still want to own a property in Awka so when you come back for the festive and holiday season, you can spend some time in your home town and sometime in Awka too, before returning to your base. That made the rent in Awka to be on the high side.”
Describing the most beautiful part of entrepreneurship, he said it lies in the freedom it gives to plan one’s time, develop oneself, and be creative. He cited his advice to his younger brother who got a job recently, encouraging him to instead pursue his creative passion in arts and consider building the first art exhibition center in the state.
“I told him that job will kill his creativity. Entrepreneurship will help him grow, manage his time, and think outside the box. That’s how I operate. I don’t want to work for anyone; I want to manage my time and unleash my potential,” he added.
On where he sees his company in the next five years, he confidently stated that Zoffany Homes is working towards becoming a top-tier brand, drawing inspiration from Sujimoto — a leading name in Nigeria’s real estate space whom he considers a role model.
“By 2030, we want to be building iconic skyscrapers. We’ve already designed a 25-storey twin tower — the first of its kind in Anambra — and we’re looking forward to executing such landmark projects soon, both here and in Abuja,” he revealed.
According to him, among the numerous projects the company has undertaken include the ‘Express City’ estate along the expressway in Awka, ‘Silver Land’, 40% of ‘Pleasant Homes’, and several other projects in Nkwelle Ezunaka, Urum, and other parts of the state.
Sharing a word of advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, the Zoffany Homes boss emphasized the importance of character, patience, and the culture of service.
“Many young people want quick money and forget that real wealth is built on integrity. You must be patient, build trust, and never let the fault come from your end in any money matter. Also, people should learn to serve — that’s how I learnt what I know today. Even Christ taught us that it is in service that blessings come,” he advised.
When asked how he felt about his recent nomination in the AMTY Awards, he expressed deep gratitude and described it as a form of encouragement and validation of his work.
“I feel very happy, and I appreciate Barr. Amaka Ezenwa who informed me about it. The AMTY ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ nomination shows that people are watching and are pleased with what we’re doing. It means a lot to us,” he concluded.
About Author
